This policy applies to all international students that are commencing, continuing students and those who have been offered a place at LCI Melbourne. It should be read in conjunction with the written agreement signed by the individual student on enrolment. Tuition fees are set annually and enrolled students are invoiced at the applicable rate for each year of their course. LCI Melbourne reserves the right to withhold issuing of transcripts or the granting of the Award attained by a student if their fees remain outstanding.

1) Refunds Resulting from Course Cancellation

LCI Melbourne will refund, within 14 days from the default date, all fees where LCI Melbourne cancels the course or where the commencement of the course is postponed more than one semester.

2) Refunds Resulting from International Student Withdrawals

An enroled international student withdrawing from a course or units of study, whether before or after the census date, should give written notice of their withdrawal, the reason/s why and any supporting documentation to the Student Services Manager. Students wishing to alter their enrolment should complete the Student Enrolment Variation form. Students wishing to withdraw from the course entirely should complete the Notification of Student Withdrawal form. Both forms are available from the General Office. Where an international student withdraws before the commencement of a course, all tuition fees will be refunded in full less a withdrawal fee.

3) How to Apply for a Refund

To apply for a refund, students should complete a Student Enrolment Variation form notifying of their withdrawal from a course or specified units. A refund application is included in the withdrawal notification. In accordance with the provisions of this policy on tuition fee refunds LCI Melbourne will, within 28 days of receipt of written notification of withdrawal, refund fees paid.

4) Cancellation of Enrolment Arising From Student Default

A cancellation fee of 100% of the current semester fee applies where a student’s enrolment is cancelled in one or more of the following circumstances:

• The course starts at the location on the agreed starting day, but the student does not start the course on that day (and has not previously withdrawn);
• The student withdraws from the course at the location (after the agreed starting day)
• Breach of a condition of their student visa, including failure to maintain satisfactory course progress
• Failure to pay course fees
• Behaviour in breach of LCI Melbourne’s Student Code of Conduct, published in the Student Handbook.

5) Cancellation of Enrolment Arising From Visa Refusal

LCI Melbourne agrees to refund within 28 days, and without deduction, all fees paid where the student provides certified evidence that their application for a student visa was refused by the Australian immigration authorities.

Should a student change visa status (eg becomes a permanent resident) full overseas student’s fees will be payable for the duration of the current study period. Thereafter, if the student's new status permits them to be charged domestic student tuition fees, these will be applied.

6) Course Cancellation Due to Provider Default

In the unlikely event that LCI Melbourne is unable to deliver your course in full, you will be offered a refund of all the course money you have paid to date regarding to all units that is unable to be delivered. The refund will be paid to you within 14 working days of the day on which the course ceased being provided. Alternatively, you may be offered enrolment in another course by LCI Melbourne at no extra cost to you. You have the right to choose whether you would prefer a full refund of course fees, or to accept a place in another course. If you choose placement in another course, we will ask you to sign a document to indicate that you accept the placement.

If LCI Melbourne is unable to provide a refund or place you in an alternative course, the Commonwealth Government’s Tuition Protection Service (TPS) will ensure you are able to either complete your studies in another course or with another education provider, or receive a refund of unspent tuition fees. Further information is available at www.tps.gov.au.

If a student wishes to appeal a decision regarding their application for a refund they should access LCI Melbourne’s Grievance Procedures: Non-Academic Matters.